Steve McClaren backs Newcastle to climb the table on one condition

Newcastle United boss Steve McClaren says his side will start climbing the table if they manage to remain disciplined and keep all 11 players on the pitch, Sky Sports report.

The Magpies have endured a poor start to the season, securing just one win in 10 games and heading in to this weekend’s fixture coming off the back of a 3-0 defeat at Sunderland.

That said, performances in spells have been pretty good and half of their defeats thus far this season could be attributed to the fact they’ve not managed to keep all 11 players on the pitch.

Speaking to reporters ahead of his side’s clash with Stoke City, McClaren feels an improvement in discipline will spark an improvement in fortunes and a climb up the league table.

“If we play like that [vs S’Land] and keep 11 players on the pitch, we will win eight or nine out of 10 games. You can see the progress. Some of our football was fantastic and that's progress,” he explained.

“We have shown what we are capable of doing and at times, our football was excellent. We created chances, which we weren't doing earlier in the season, so when I look in the long term, keep 11 players on the park and I can see this team winning games.”

Tom Thorogood

I'm a 27 year old language teacher and writer based out in Mexico with a passion for football and swimming. I like to focus on the top European Leagues, especially La Liga, as well as the footballing development in Central and South America. My favourite teams include Derby County, Barcelona and Jagaures de Chiapas.